Actor Gene Hackman, 81, was airlifted to the Ryder Trauma Center in Miami on Friday after a car struck the bicycle he was riding in Islamorada, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Hackman was heading southbound near the 88 mile marker on the Old Highway around 3 p.m. when struck from behind by the right front fender of a 2007 Toyota Tundra driven by Kathryn Rodriguez, 60, or Islamorada, FHP Sergeant Thomas E. Pikul said.

A Tundra in Florida? Now that would be funny, if this weren't a sadly common situation.

Because seriously, folks, people driving tanks SUVs have a harder time seeing objects to the side and below of their tanks SUVs. They are therefore much more likely to strike bicyclists, pedestrians, pets ... and children.

No need for a Tundra in Florida. Not if you're just toolin' around town.

I propose a law to ban all SUVs in Florida unless a verified (any form of certified gov’t ID) resident can provide sufficient evidence that a need is required for such a vehicle. If need is not determined to be valid by a panel of seven delegates appointed by the governor, then no vehicle over 1,500 pounds should be allowed.

A Tundra in Florida? Now that would be funny, if this weren't a sadly common situation.

Because seriously, folks, people driving tanks SUVs have a harder time seeing objects to the side and below of their tanks SUVs. They are therefore much more likely to strike bicyclists, pedestrians, pets ... and children.

No need for a Tundra in Florida. Not if you're just toolin' around town.

I thought the Toyota Tundra was a pickup, not an SUV...which would make your complaint a non sequitur.

From personal observation, usually it’s the bicyclist behaving badly, not the car driver. Not that the car driver is particularly innocent, but it’s usually the bicyclist breaking one or more traffic laws to begin with.

31
posted on 01/13/2012 5:50:23 PM PST
by Spktyr
(Overwhelmingly superior firepower and the willingness to use it is the only proven peace solution.)

1. Why was he on a HIGHWAY with a bicycle? Bicycles are usally barred from highways.

2. When bicyclists are required to pay registration, insurance, and get annual inspection fees as well as hold a valid license, they may have a point about equal road access. Until then, stay on the damn sidewalk.

35
posted on 01/13/2012 5:52:44 PM PST
by Spktyr
(Overwhelmingly superior firepower and the willingness to use it is the only proven peace solution.)

How are you going to get your fishing tackle, coolers, hunting equipment, sport equipment, team mates, families, luggage, and yourself to all those “off road activities” if you can’t drive your SUV on the road?

I wish Gene Hackman would come out of retirement also. He is one of my all-time favorites. The first movie I remember him being in was Bonnie and Clyde. He was great as Buck Barrow but I thought the woman who played Blanche Barrow stole the film. I hope he has a complete recovery.

It is against the law in most places to ride your bikes on the sidewalk. It is likely he was on the shoulder of the road if there was one... When passing a cyclist the standard is give 3ft of clearance if you must pass. Cycling is BIG in Florida and especially in communities that are considered retirement or vacation communities. There are bike lanes everywhere.

What concerns me, as a law abiding cyclist... is that certain folks are really hostile...even if we’re riding in a wide shoulder/bike lane. Some drivers intentionally come close, honk horns, yell out the windows and are generally miserable a-holes to the cyclists. I’ve considered just getting a helmet-cam to get their license plates.

Cudo’s for Hackman for exercising in his senior years. I ride with some guys in their 70’s and they are awesome, long time cyclists.

50
posted on 01/13/2012 6:04:26 PM PST
by nagdt
("None of my EX's live in Texas")

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